The Holi-daze are now upon us. With only a short 3 weeks until Christmas they'll be flying by faster than the entire year did. Things are starting to heat up so get on out there and work the chill out of this cold winter weather that we're having. Be sure you bundle up though before heading out for the weekend!

Thursday, December 4

Have you been to the Gene Siskel Film Center to see the Muppet movies? If you haven't you're just in time to catch Emmet Otters Jug Band Christmas and other shorts tonight at 6PM.

If you're up for performing this evening instead of watching a performance, head over to Crew Bar + Grill - 4804 N Broadway for Gays Got Talent at 8PM, sign up begins at 7PM. Sing, dance, recite poetry - show your talent and compete for $100 tonight. The winner can move onto the semi-finals and compete for $1000. Presented by Windy City Media Group.

Head on over to Northend from 6-9PM tonight for TPAN's PULSE Networking event, a safe place for HIV+ men to meet and mingle.

Friday, December 5

Denis Leary will be at Borders - 830 N Michigan Ave - at 7PM tonight to sign copies of his new book "Why We Suck"

Head on up to Andersonville and take in "Late & Later-er" more than 42 shops, restaurants and boutiques will be open this evening until 10PM to help you kick off your holiday shopping. For a full list of events check HERE and you can even print out a coupon for up to 40% off at select stores.

While you're in Andersonville, stop on by Women & Children First Book shop to take in reading from Make/Shift magazine. Join them for a reading from this important new contribution to feminist political media and discourse at 7:30PM.

On your way back into Boystown head on over to Circuit and catch Toiz Greatest Hits - The Best of the Best of 2008 Drag King Show, the fun starts at 9PM and cover is $7.

If you've not yet had a chance to take in one of the greatest films of the season - "Milk" starring Sean Penn, James Franco and Emile Hirsch - get yourself down to Landmark Theaters at Century Center and catch it. You will NOT be disappointed. Buy your tickets online as it is sure to be a sellout. Recently the hosts of the Feast of Fools invited me over and we talked about the movie, you can catch that podcast HERE.

Saturday, December 6

If you're downtown shopping today, stop by Macy's on State street at Noon to catch a glimpse of Jessica Simpson....ooh, perhaps her current hot boyfriend will be with her.

It's time to head back on up to Andersonville and take in the Julmarknad "Holiday Market" take in a a host of holiday festivities throughout the neighborhood, centered on the Julmarknad crafts fair and traditional Swedish entertainment at the Swedish American Museum.

Time for the Christmas music to start washing over you. Windy City Performing Arts presents "Don we now...30" a holiday concert that celebrates 30 years of sharing the music. The concert will be held at the Center on Halsted with the first concert at 5PM and the second at 8PM

The Next Generation Chicago a Chicago based pansexual Support/Education/Discussion/Social group for people age 18-35 who are interested in BDSM will hold a meeting at the Leather Archives & Museum this evening from 7-10PM

Catch the Flaming Lips in "Christmas on Mars" at the Music Box Theater at Midnight tonight.

Sunday, December 7

Looking for a new place for breakfast? Check out St. Gertrude's Annual Christmas Bazaar & Pancake Breakfast - 1401 W Granville today for a Pancake breakfast from 8:30-1:30. Enjoy your pancakes and then peruse the Christmas Bazaar for hand made items, games with the kids and pictures with Santa.

Celebrate the Spirit: Twenty Years of Hoping, Helping, and Giving! It's Vital Bridges 19th Annual Holiday Brunch at the Four Seasons Hotel. Vital Bridges is truly a vital part of our community servicing people who are living with HIV/AIDS. Tickets for brunch begin at $250 and couldn't support a more deserving organization. Enjoy brunch, live music and live and silent auctions as Vital Bridges enters it's 20th year of service.

Did you make it up to Andersonville yesterday for Julmarknad "Holiday Market"? Well if you didn't you've got another chance today from 11AM -5PM

If you missed the concert yesterday you can still catch The Windy City Performing Arts holiday concert as they celebrate 30 years of sharing the music in Chicago. The concert is at the Center on Halsted at 2PM

Bertha Mason hits Mary's Attic - 5400 N Clark Street - again tonight at 7:30 to give you tips and tricks on getting ready in your kitchen for the upcoming holiday as she presents - Jingle My Bells: The Holiday Extravaganza, tickets are only $10

Looking for something to take you back to your Catholic School Days? Check out Sunday School Cinema at the Chicago History Museum at 1:30. Sister will review current movies and give her thumbs up/thumbs down opinion with her ruler. Included in admission price of museum.